"We do not earn or merit anything by taking refuge in God. Hiding in something makes no contribution to the hiding place. All it does is show that we regard ourselves as helpless and the hiding place as a place of rescue." John Piper

Monday, December 8, 2008

The study of the book of James has been quite an eye opener for me. In chapters one and two, James brings up the topic of the poor several times. The rich and poor are mentioned in verses 9-10 of chapter one and as Christians, they are instructed in what their real treasure is - faith in Christ. In verses 26-27, James reminds us of what true ministry is - to visit orphans and widows in the distress of their grief and extreme poverty.

In chapter two James exhorts his Hebrew flock not to show partiality by catering to the rich man and neglecting the poor man. He reminds them that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the needs of the poor. Robert and I have had opportunity to help with a ministry in Uganda - a school for street children (the poorest of the poor) started by a dear friend of ours. And then there is always the reminder at this time of year of our own physical comfort as we hit the malls in search of that perfect gift. This contrasts so sharply with the needs of the poor all over the world. I just learned last night that worldwide, one child dies of starvation every three seconds. There are so many desperately needy people!

Of course, we are compelled by Scripture to minister to the needy. When we become aware of the reality of the poverty that exists, it often happens that our hearts are so touched that we get real busy - organize this and that, cover this need, don't forget that need. But the poor are everywhere. Where do we start? How do we meet the needs of so many? How do we even begin to really raise one such person out of the degrading dust of their poverty?

We begin with the One who became poor for our sakes. We begin at Jesus' feet. In Matthew 26:6-13 we read about a woman who came to Jesus with a vial of very costly perfume, equal perhaps to a year's wages. She broke it open and poured it on Christ's head in worship of her Lord. The fragrance filled the room. Butwhen, "...the disciples saw this, they were indignant. 'Why this waste?' they asked. 'This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.' "

These disciples were so concerned for the poor (supposedly) that they actually berated the woman for worshipping Jesus. But Jesus commends the woman for her good deed toward Him and then says to the disciples, "For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial."

Worship of our Savior must come before our work for the poor. If it doesn't, we do not have Jesus with us in that work! We will always have the poor, the Lord tells us. The opportunities are countless and demanding. But these very demands can crowd Christ out. Busyness will always grab our attention, but will we set aside those demands to worship the Savior first and foremost? Will we recognize that He is with us and fall at His feet in adoration?

Jesus kindly calls to our hearts, "...you do not always have Me." All too often we do not have Him in our day. Like the innkeepers in Behlehem, because of our busyness (perhaps in even serving the needy) there is no room in the inner sanctum of our hearts for Him. Then it doesn't really matter what we tackle - how many poor we feed - for we do not have Him with us. Our busy work is of naught - wood, hay, stubble.

What a joy, however, when we do welcome Him adoringly. The fragrance of His life permeates our own life and spreads to others. He so motivates us and empowers us that nothing is impossible. When Christ is our most precious treasure and priority, we wll be sent to His poor that they may become rich in faith, rich in Christ for eternity. No time, no resources, no energy will be wasted for we will be directed of the Lord, clothed with His compassion and love for the needy, and supplied with His strength and wealth. And how will this all end? As it began - in worship for our Savior for He will receive all the glory and honor.

As you enjoy this Christmas season of the year of our Lord, 2008, please remember the poor. But first of all make sure that you have Jesus with you. May this be to what you are committed. Then indeed you will have a joyous Noel!

1 Comment:

Anonymous
said...

Hi Sharon! I just want to tell you I enjoy so much reading your blog. I missed so much the last couple months going to your blog. I was reading today you do not always have me.

My English is not good enough to express how thankful I'm that you are doing this. Every time I read your blog it touches my heart and encourages me so much…I need to have something like this where I can slow down from my busy day and fill my soul with God's word.

I leave the music from your blog on all day…Me and the girl that works with me love it!

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Who in the world is this "good woman"?

Lately, I've been tempted to change the name of this blog because most women relate better to a name like "My Chaotic Life" or "More Thorns Than Roses". You know something that sounds a little more human, unlike that "good woman", in Proverbs 31 who seems so perfect she's unapproachable.

However, I resisted. Here's why: The good woman isn't perfect, just forgiven. She knows "...that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out" (Rom. 7:18-19). She confesses, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you" (Ps. 16:2).

So who is this good woman? She is any woman who has experienced the goodness and mercy of God through Christ's work on the cross. He lives in her and He is her good. She's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but looks to the day when, in Christ's presence, she is perfected.

Till then, life will go on with all its thorns and chaos. But by the grace and goodness of God, there will be many roses among the thorns.

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Perhaps you're wondering what this blog is all about. First of all, "The Good Woman", whether she writes the posts here or visits to read them, is not perfect. She is simply a sinner redeemed and made good (righteous) by Christ's blood. She desires to serve and please Him for His glory. Regardless of her marital status or age, she needs encouragement along the way and also equipping to enable her to live out her divinely-designed occupation of helper (this includes single women). That is what this blog is all about. Please explore the articles offered on Biblical womanhood, written out of love for Christ in obedience to the charge inTitus 2:3-5."...older women...train the younger women...". And may God cause you to bring forth what is good out of the precious treasure of your heart (the God of all goodness).